South Africa has undergone and continues to undergo severe, serious and fortunately, some positive changes, too. Unfortunately, leaving the responsibility of leadership with the governing class, read politicians, is a bad idea for the country just as in most other parts of the world. There are many casualties under the new regime and unfortunately, the previously disenfranchised majority have little chance of realizing their aspirations fed to them by vote seeking officials. On a micro basis, we have met people who were part of the previous privileged majority, include ourselves, who now have been relegated to the lowest strata in society. Of course, many will say that the privileged had their day and now it is our turn to feed at the trough overflowing with ‘manna’. ‘Fair enough’, I suppose, but I would think that a constitution that purports to guarantee the rights of all citizens might not agree in favoring some citizens notwithstanding previous injustices. Sadly, it is our opinion, that only a small minority of the black people of the country have access to the wealth that’s being distributed amongst the ‘governing class’ at the expense and to the detriment of the rest of the populace—a real scandal and shame.
After more than an hour plus climbing a steep path, Jen stops to look at the destination. We did not think there was a way up...(still wonder).
Meanwhile, back at the ranch, the nervous nellies keep a 'close eye' on us.
We puzzled over our approach of a possible climb to Eagle Head. Jen suggested we swim up. (It was worth a few minutes of silence between the partners.)
We eventually discovered a path: reasonable in the early stages and pretty tough latterly. The chalet at the bottom, from our peek through the window, looked incredible. Jen 'struggles' up on the right.
Jen arrives at the plateau below the 'Eagle'.
Success and some satisfaction ... okay, a lot.
A close-up. After walking for an hour, we arrived at the chalet and sat on the patio searching for a path up. Initially, we decided it was probably too steep. We ate breakfast, thought some more, went looking for access and eventually found a route. Another spectacular day.
Perhaps too much exuberance.
'Fenced in'.
Fenced in 2, a sight from below the Eagle.
Anyway, we met a young man, well reasonably young, who made an impression upon us. He appears to be one of the white victims now. We won’t mention his name for obvious reasons. He is helping to manage a game farm. When we spoke initially at reception upon check-in, the first thing we noticed is how chirpy and upbeat he was. We began conversing and moved onto a range of topics which included the fact that he grew his own vegetables, cleaned the rooms when other employees failed to report for duty, was on standby for guests who thought nothing much about arriving to check-in during the early hours of the morning, did not miss church visits each Sunday, was bilingual and read extensively to avoid boredom of living in a rather quiet area on a piece of land with few inhabitants and not many visitors. Called upon occasionally to help deliver babies for antelope moms in precarious labor situations, provides additional challenges of the job.
Having grown up during a period of turmoil, both because of domestic life and the issues facing society, he decided to work on his attitude and not blame anyone else for his predicament. Self-help steps of motivation and positive outlook, seem to have turned him into a person who faces up to life’s hardships, always with a smile and warm words, as he earns just sufficient money to cover his food requirements, a few extras and not a whole lot more. Free basic lodging comes with the job.
Over the few days we were on site, we met him in different places about the vast property and listened and shared some thoughts. Suffice to say, whatever we could do for him could only be small and perhaps meaningless in the bigger picture but we suppose every bit helps. Our encouragement might have been meaningful in the sense of admiration; however, his attitude was most uplifting and motivating. Once again, the energy and thoughts of others continue to reach us and give us food for deep contemplation.
Then we met up again with Ezekiel, a South Sotho man who works at Witsieshoek. On each occasion we’ve visited the lodge, we had opportunity to catch up with him, Sampson, a guide, all but for the latest visit, Nelson and Hosea. Ezekiel began as a laborer at the lodge, moved on to driving the shuttle to the Sentinel trailhead and is now a waiter in the dining room. On the third occasion we visited, we greeted him and realized he did not remember us. No problem. When we fired up the computer, we called him over and showed him a picture of himself standing between us. We’d obviously made quite an impression upon him previously. Hosea is an elderly man who has now been transferred to a very ‘soft’ job. A few years ago we had an intimate discussion with him on the relationship of the Sotho and Zulu people. We derived some decent insights.
On a prior visit, we met a Canadian visitor on the Sentinel path. We’d said ‘hello’ the previous evening in the bar/dining room. He asked a few questions regarding the racial issues of the country and Africa. We tried to explain that Westerners tend to group all black people into one nation. Although we do not know very much, our explanation was that each black nation, and there are many of them, are autonomous and distinguish themselves from each other just as a German, for example, does not see herself as similar or the same as a Spaniard or Estonian, just because they might have white skin. Obviously, these are complex topics but we tend to complicate (or simplify) them further because of our ignorance, sometimes, plain laziness.
It's always uplifting to re-acquaint oneself with old friends and people who work at these places of interest. There’s something special about meeting up with people, even irregularly; it keeps the humanity within us alive.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
Please take a bow for our friends...thank you.
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